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Thursday, January 24

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» 09:32 PM ET Update » 08:37 PM ET Update » 07:48 PM ET Update » 07:38 PM ET Update » 07:14 PM ET Update » 03:36 PM ET Update » 01:18 PM ET Update » 10:39 AM ET Update

» Update: 09:32 PM ET

More money. A familiar leading role. Bigger city. All those pluses are likely available to Martin in free agency this summer. But if the Thunder offer a fair deal, Martin says he prefers to re-sign with the small-market winner than do his due diligence in free agency. Playing with Durant and Russell Westbrook is a bonus, too. "This summer, hopefully everything works out here," Martin told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday. "I haven't said that too often. But I will put it out there; hopefully I have found a home in the NBA. I love playing with this group of guys. The organization is great to me. The community has been great to me. It's the happiest I have been during my NBA career. " Yahoo! Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder, Free Agency, Kevin Martin 

The small-town life is actually the most comfortable for Martin. He is proud to be born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, which has a population of about 25,500. He played college ball at Western Carolina University, in tinier Cullowhee, N.C., which has less than half of Zanesville's population. From 2004-10, Martin also played for the small-market Sacramento Kings before being traded to the Houston Rockets. "I'm enjoying life now," Martin said. "In Houston and Sacramento, I probably didn't get out too much. It's fun just interacting with [Oklahomans]. It's such a community feel. That's what I love about the whole situation. The city itself, I feel like an Ohio boy here so I feel at home. Oklahoma City just reminds me of Ohio." Yahoo! Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder, Free Agency, Kevin Martin 

There’s plenty of heat and speculation — and plenty for Mike D’Antoni to hash out as far as better utilizing his players, including 2013 free agent Dwight Howard — but I was told Thursday the Lakers are not considering a buyout or firing of D’Antoni as head coach. The Lakers signed D’Antoni to a three-year contract to replace Mike Brown, who was fired Nov. 9. Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni 

Even then, Turner's emotional heat had cooled a little and he was ready to fulfill his contractual obligation — just as he said he'd relayed to General Manager Lance Blanks that he would should he not be selected. After missing three practices and a road game, Turner and Suns management agreed to part ways with his full salary paid. "The impression that I got was that it may be tough to find a spot for a 16-year veteran with 15 straight years of winning experience," Turner said Thursday. USA Today Sports

Phoenix Suns, Coaching, Elston Turner 

Turner went to a coaches meeting Tuesday morning but was told by Hunter that Suns management wanted to speak to him before he took up the offer to return to the staff. "The whole meeting had a dark cloud hanging over it," Turner said. "It just gave me the impression that roles may change. Instead of viewing me as an asset, it made it seem like they couldn't use my experience or they would have to try to work me in. The whole tone was negative." Turner, 53, said the time away made him feel like he had an obligation to return to players, fans and basketball. "I owed the players a chance to help them get better and I'm sure they'd welcome the most qualified coach," Turner said. "I felt an obligation to the paying customer to give them the best product possible. And I love the damn game." When he mentioned wanting to stay, he said one executive asked him, "Well, why would you?" USA Today Sports

Phoenix Suns, Coaching, Elston Turner 

So, what is a realistic goal moving forward, a benchmark for something other than failure? Leonsis recently suggested it was a .500 mark. “I really want to see what the team can do,” he told WRC’s Dan Hellie last week, on the day of the Caps’ open practice at Verizon Center. “And we obviously have to add to the team, bring more talent in. We can do that through the draft, we can do that through trades and free agency. “I did think we could compete and be a .500 kind of team, and if we had played .500 we’d be in the playoffs right now, or at least the playoff hunt. So I’d like to see us play .500, playoff-caliber like basketball for the next 45 games, 48 games, whatever’s left this year, and just see what we’ve got. Washington Post

Washington Wizards, Ted Leonsis 
 

» Update: 08:37 PM ET

Sacramento Kings minority owner Bob Cook told The Sacramento Bee today that he has asked a Bay Area sports attorney to broker a meeting between Larry Ellison, the third-richest man in America, and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson in hopes of helping Johnson's effort to find a buyer willing to keep the Sacramento Kings in town. Cook, part of the original group that brought the NBA team to Sacramento, told The Bee today he stepped back after making an initial phone call Monday to an associate who knows Ellison, but said he believes a meeting will occur toward the end of this week. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Larry Ellison, Kevin Johnson 

Mayor Johnson has responded by saying he is talking with several wealthy business people to see if any are interested in making a counter offer that he can present to the NBA this spring in hopes of stopping the sale and move. Johnson has declined to name names. Several sources however said two major players already are in serious talks about a potential bid - Ron Burkle, a multi-billionaire grocer magnate in Southern California, and Mark Mastrov, founder of 24-Hour Fitness. Both have been described by the mayor's team as "whales," capable of meeting NBA standards for team owners. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Ron Burkle, Mark Mastrov 
 

» Update: 07:48 PM ET

 

» Update: 07:38 PM ET

 

» Update: 07:14 PM ET

Holiday’s primary competition among the guards in the Eastern Conference (coaches are to select two guards) will come from Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving (probably a lock), Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings (has outplayed Holiday twice this season) and Deron Williams (Nets are rolling; he’s not playing up to his typically high standards). “It matters a lot, that’s why I’m not watching it,” Holiday said. “I can’t watch and that’s why I’m going to the Flyers game. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Jrue Holiday 

However, there’s a common misconception about trade talks. Most people think that two general managers get on the phone and work out a trade. In reality, that’s not how the process works. Most trades start with a conversation between lesser executives. These executives talk with as many other executives as possible and see what potential trades are on the table. Only then are the possible deals brought to the general manager, who then decides which trade to make. HoopsWorld

Trade 

There’s a funny story that executives like to tell. Back when Amar’e Stoudemire was with the Phoenix Suns and the team was gauging interest in him, one executive realized that Stoudemire was obtainable and wanted to see what he could acquire if he flipped Stoudemire to another team. He called a number of teams and told them that he had Stoudemire if he wanted him, and he wanted to know what they’d be willing to offer. There was only one problem: One of the teams that this executive called up was the Suns, who were amused that they were being offered their own player. HoopsWorld

New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Amare Stoudemire 
 

» Update: 03:36 PM ET

Here's the new Pelicans logo (via @cdude9590): pic.twitter.com/VLD67Q2W Twitter @dailythunder

New Orleans Pelicans 

The NBA's Board of Governors already has approved the name change. And the Pelicans’ team colors will be blue, red and gold “This isn’t something that was just done overnight,” Benson said. “This is a long process. We are not just changing the name to change the name. The Hornets name came from Charlotte. That fits in with Charlotte. It doesn’t fit into New Orleans, La., or our area here. The Hornets don’t mean anything here. We needed something that symbolizes New Orleans and Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. And nothing does that better than this name.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Tom Benson 

“We really wanted to find that iconic name that really is special to New Orleans, that has a special New Orleans feel that our fans can resonate with and say hey ‘that is new Orleans that is our culture that is who we are. We wanted to find that iconic symbol just like the fleur de lis is for the Saints.” While the name of the team will remain the Hornets for the remainder of this season, the new logo and name will begin popping up almost immediately. Some New Orleans Pelicans merchandise was expected to be available at the team’s store in the New Orleans Arena Thursday. Officials said any marketing or advertisement for the 2013-2014 season will carry the new logo and name. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Tom Benson 

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have assigned Cory Joseph to the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. Joseph has now been assigned to Austin five times this season. The University of Texas product has appeared in 14 games with the Toros, averaging a team-high 20.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.29 steals in 39.2 minutes while shooting .465 (100-215) from the field, .442 (19-43) from three-point range and .780 (71-91) from the foul line. NBA.com

San Antonio Spurs, D-League, Cory Joseph 

Chris Tomasson: Doc Rivers disappointed Allen left Boston & now roots against him but hasn’t changed his view of Allen as person. “I wasn’t happy when he left,’’ Rivers told FOX Sports Florida. “I don’t think that he should have left. I thought he should have stayed here. But I’m bias to the Celtics. “But that doesn’t change that I know he’s a great guy. I have a relationship with him as a person and that doesn’t change. Now, I openly cheer for him to lose (with the Heat), but I know what kind of guy he is.’’ Sulia

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Ray Allen, Doc Rivers 

Carmelo Anthony has become public enemy No. 1 in Celtics Nation, which would explain the Knicks All-Star forward being accompanied by his own personal bodyguard as he ventured into hostile territory for Thursday’s game against Kevin Garnett and the Celtics. It is not uncommon for superstar players, Kobe Bryant for example, to have their own security detail. The Knicks employ two security guards that are with the team at all times while Anthony’s bodyguard occasionally travels to road games. New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony 

After missing three practices and a road game, Turner and Suns management agreed to part ways with his full salary paid. “The impression that I got was that it may be tough to find a spot for a 16-year veteran with 15 straight years of winning experience,” Turner said Thursday morning. Turner went to a coaches’ meeting Tuesday morning but was told by interim coach Lindsey Hunter that Suns management wanted to speak to him before he took up the offer to return to the staff. “The whole meeting had a dark cloud hanging over it,” Turner said. “It just gave me the impression that roles may change. Instead of viewing me as an asset, it made it seem like they couldn’t use my experience or they would have to try to work me in. The whole tone was negative.” Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Coaching, Elston Turner, Lindsey Hunter 

After the Sacramento Kings were sold for $525 million, some wondered if the Sarver would look to sell the franchise, which he and his investors purchased for $404 million in 2004. Sarver said that price tag is misleading because Sacramento is one of two NBA franchises with short-term lease agreements, which enhances their value. While he concedes the Suns might be worth that, he says he’s never had an offer, and never had a single conversation about selling the franchise. Not even with the rough road ahead. “No one is more impatient than me,” Sarver said. “I want to win. We’re going to do it through the draft and hopefully free agency, from having cap space and asset. We’re in a position where we don’t have any bad contracts. Players want to come to Phoenix. We don’t have any stars, so we have a lot of work to do. But I think we’re in a decent position. “We’re not going to do it in three days just to make the media happy. If there was a quicker way to do it, we would. But we’re going to do it.” Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver 

The NBA’s highest-paid player is Kobe Bryant, who will make $59.8 million in salary and endorsements this year. Bryant’s Lakers salary of $27.8 million is $7 million higher than any other player’s. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement limits individual player salaries to 35% of the team salary cap, which is $58 million this year. But players can also sign deals that are 105% of their previous salary even if it exceeds the cap. Bryant is an exceptional case because he is in his 17th season with the same team at 34 years old and is still playing at an exceptionally high level. The result: Bryant has signed a series of maximum level contracts with the Lakers. Bryant, who was voted this month to start in his NBA-record 15th All-Star game, is a popular corporate endorser, earning an estimated $32 million annually off the court from partners Nike, Coca-Cola (he plugs Sprite), Turkish Air, Mercedes-Benz and memorabilia firm Panini. Nike provides the bulk of his sponsorship income. Bryant is a hugely popular figure in China, where Nike is looking to make further inroads. Nike sells twice as many of Bryant’s sneakers in China as in the U.S., according to sources. Forbes.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant 
 

» Update: 01:18 PM ET

Complicating matters, to a certain extent, is the fact that Drew is in the final year of his contract with the Hawks. General manager Danny Ferry has said the team will re-evaluate the situation following the season after he has been through his first year in Atlanta. Ferry did give his blessing on the Hawks picking up the final year of Drew’s contract after he took over for Rick Sund. I asked Drew Wednesday if, considering his contract status, it has been hard not to look over his shoulder considering the team’s recent slide. “I made up my mind going into the season that my focus was just to do the best I can,” Drew told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The normal thing would be to look over your shoulder but I made up my mind, given my situation, that I’m just going to go out and coach every game. Just do what I can. If it works out, it works out. If it does not, it does not. I’ve been in constant talks with my agent about everything. The way we are looking at it is, we’ll just see what our options are at the end.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Larry Drew 

When Elston Turner joined the Suns as the lead assistant coach in 2011, one of the lures to Phoenix was that he would be next in line should the head coach position come open. Turner was fiercely loyal to head coach Alvin Gentry over 1 ½ seasons and then turned fiercely upset when the Suns let Gentry go Friday and turned to player assistant coordinator Lindsey Hunter on Sunday to be the interim coach for the season’s second half. Even then, Turner’s emotions simmered and he was ready to fulfill his contractual obligation, just as he said he had relayed to General Manager Lance Blanks that he would should he not be selected. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Coaching, Elston Turner 

Meanwhile, Hunter already had named Igor Kokoskov to the role of lead assistant, which had been Turner’s title. Turner said he was openly upset with management when he was not chosen to be interim head coach because he had served as the lead assistant and had been denied the opportunity in 2011 to go to Minnesota to join Rick Adelman, who had coached with for his entire career. “It’s tough to stay somewhere where you’re really not wanted,” said Turner, who follows fellow assistant coach Dan Majerle out the door. “It was almost like they wanted what they wanted.” Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Coaching, Elston Turner 
 

» Update: 10:39 AM ET

Nevertheless, D'Antoni has marginalized Gasol, leaving him livid and privately expecting to be traded before the February deadline for an athletic forward who fits his coaching designs. Buss believed that Nash had been neutralized in the Princeton offense, sources say, and that he would never flourish with the changes – blessed by the organization over the summer, by the way – that Brown implemented for the season. Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Pau Gasol, Mike D'Antoni 

Bryant won't chase Howard out of here, but multiple sources tell Yahoo! Sports that the only issue that would give Howard pause on re-signing with the Lakers would be D'Antoni. In the end, D'Antoni is a coach who fundamentally doesn't believe in post play, who sees franchise centers as intrusive cloggers of the lane. Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard 

As he begins the process of refusing to complain anymore about his role, Dwight Howard wanted to make one thing clear about his Lakers future. "I plan on being here for the remainder of the season," he said. "My focus and team's focus is to do what we can do to get into the playoffs." Will that sentiment last once he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1? He could re-sign for five years and $117.9 million instead of a four-year, $87.6 million deal with another team. "We're not discussing that," Howard said. "Right now, our goal is to win. All I want to do is win. I have to put all my energy and sacrifice whatever I have to do, humble myself and go out there and play." Long Beach Press-Telegram

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Trade, Dwight Howard 

Those close to Howard say he likes Los Angeles, including the team's championship history and Hollywood spotlight it commands. But another source close to him says he's grown weary of Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced offense. Nonetheless, Howard said Wednesday he won't complain anymore about his role. "Dwight is a heck of a player," D'Antoni said. "Hopefully he's a Laker forever." Long Beach Press-Telegram

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Trade, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard 

Nets center Brook Lopez started laughing before the question was even finished being asked. The latest rumor linking Lopez with Dwight Howard of the Lakers in a trade left him more amused than annoyed. And not for the first time. “I was at that point a long time ago,” he said before the Nets faced the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Target Center. “I don’t pay any attention to what the media says. I just go about my business and focus on what’s important here.” New York Times

Brooklyn Nets, Trade, Brook Lopez 

“Well, Rudy is still here with us today,” Wallace said when asked about Gay’s future. “Again, like I said, we’re not going out there and trying to necessarily get out from certain players or anything. We value him. He’s one of the elite scoring small forwards in the league. He’s been here for his entire career. As I tell all of the players, I can’t guarantee that anyone won’t be traded, when you consider the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett have been traded. Wilt Chamberlain got traded at one time. The vast majority of players who will be in the NBA with longevity are going to get traded. Again, we don’t know what’s going to come our way as far as opportunities. But we value Rudy greatly. This is the franchise that gave him the current contract that he’s with and we think he’s one of the elite young players in the league. We’re very happy with Rudy’s work here.” HoopsWorld

Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Rudy Gay 

With his breakout season, Lakers forward Earl Clark faces an unexpected reality. Once he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, he'll likely have some interest. What does he think about his future? "It's not like I'm this big free agent where I'll be at SportsCenter and people are asking me where I'm going," said Clark, who's making $1.2 million this season. "I'm focusing on the game and trying to continue to play well." Long Beach Press-Telegram

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Earl Clark 

There were numerous NBA teams willing to bring you over, why did you choose the Spurs? Aron Baynes: "The Spurs are one of the most respected and professional organizations in the world. This is a good situation for me to get into and learn from some of the best coaches and players in the world. Also, they have a promising history of taking foreign talent and working with them to produce high-quality NBA players." Sportando

San Antonio Spurs, Aron Baynes 

Alaska Aces officially signed Robert Dozier. The American forward will land in Manila tomorrow morning at 5.30 to join his new team. Sportando

Philippines, Robert Dozier 

As New York Knicks coach, D'Antoni issued a clear stance in organizational discussions on a possible pursuit of Howard: He wasn't a fan. He told Knicks front-office staff stories about how the elders of USA Basketball preferred Tyson Chandler to Howard, and that the Knicks would be wise to adopt that thinking, a source with knowledge of the conversations told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports

New York Knicks, Tyson Chandler 

Yesterday, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby and a future first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Jon Leuer. The deal was essentially a salary dump that gets the Grizzlies out of the luxury tax, putting them approximately $2.2 million under the threshold. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace admitted that there were financial motivations behind the trade, and also explained why Memphis pulled the trigger on this trade now. “There are financial ramifications for the deal – the luxury tax territory isn’t something that any team takes lightly or wants to get into,” Wallace said. “Every year you’re a taxpayer and then eventually there’s a repeater tax down the road so you want to get out whenever you can. The deal also gives us more flexibility in the future in terms of the trade [exceptions] that we picked up. We picked up an [exception] for every player – Speights, Ellington and Selby – which allows us to do more in a trade. There are some potential basketball benefits.” HoopsWorld

Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Chris Wallace 

Coach Mike D'Antoni started it by saying he was tired of reading newspaper stories about players questioning his offense or wanting more touches. Bryant and Howard each fell under that category after the Lakers' lifeless 95-83 loss Monday in Chicago: Bryant said the offense needed to slow down while Howard expressed displeasure after taking only five shots. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant 

Bryant also spoke up, acknowledging he could be "hard to play with" and asking Howard if that bothered him. Howard's answer was unclear, though he did not engage Bryant in nearly as vocal a manner as Bryant engaged him. "He didn't go back at Kobe," said the person who witnessed the meeting. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash 

With no use for this point guard in the triangle offense, Buss's fear was that Jackson would've pushed to move Nash out, sources said. Buss passed on the Lakers' glorious championship legacy to attach his franchise to the desert mirage of D'Antoni and Nash, a reunion tour born of a one-dimensional, gimmick offense and a point guard pushing 39 years old. "The way this turns out," one league source connected to the hiring process said, "you've chosen not only Steve Nash over [Pau] Gasol, but maybe over Gasol and Dwight [Howard]." Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash 

The Lakers haven't won a game outside of Staples Center in a month. These Lakers resemble D'Antoni in every way: Mumbling, soft and shrouded in marketed mythology. "We've got an All-Star team," D'Antoni said. "Have you ever watched an All-Star Game? It's God-awful because everybody gets the ball, they go one-on-one and then they play no defense. That's our team." Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Lakers, Mike D'Antoni 

Carmelo Anthony filed an appeal with the union Tuesday in an attempt to recoup $176,000 in lost wages stemming from his one-game suspension from the Kevin Garnett tiff, The Post has learned. After discussions between Melo’s agent, Leon Rose, and the Players Association, the decision was made to file within the 20-day allowable period, with the legal argument that the Jan. 7th episode was strictly a verbal skirmish. “In light of the circumstances, in light of the circumstances that it was not a physical confrontation, the suspension seemed excessive,’’ union’s lead attorney Ron Klempner told The Post. New York Post

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony 

As Jerry Stackhouse noted at one point during a tete-a-tete with Nets fans Wednesday night, "I like to argue sometimes! Lol." Indeed, he does. After fans tweeted that Stackhouse hadn't been playing well lately (with some noting they preferred minutes go to MarShon Brooks, he responded in kind. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Jerry Stackhouse 

In perhaps, his angriest tweet, a direct message saved and posted in NetsDaily comments, Stackhouse offered this defense. jerrystackhouse Jerry Stackhouse @BSchulzBKN I play 5-8 mins take 1-3 shots that haven't been falling and we're still plus when I'm in the game so ... stfu NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Jerry Stackhouse 

The All-Star status mattered to him. It motivated him. And after he was finally selected last season, in many ways it defined him. Aldridge would want me to make sure that word - defined - is in the past tense. It no longer holds true. Case in point: Aldridge boarded an airplane and left Portland on Wednesday night, hours after he turned in an All-Star like performance with 27 points and six rebounds in the Trail Blazers’ streak-snapping 100-80 victory over Indiana at the Rose Garden. Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge 

Unlike past years, there would be no cellphone calls to his agent. No inquiring texts to coach Terry Stotts. No scouring the internet to see if the teams had been leaked before the 4 p.m. TNT telecast. Instead, he said he would sleep in. Take his son to the beach. “Let him run around,’’ Aldridge said. “And you know ... whatever he wants to do. I’ve never been to the beach with him before.’’ After that, he looks forward to dinner, just the two of them. “Evolved,’’ is the word Aldridge used to describe his approach to this year’s All-Star announcement. “I’m not so enticed by it that it takes over my day,’’ Aldridge said. “If I get in, great. But if not, then me and my son have a good time.’’ Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge 

Hard coaching. It’s something that fits Rick Carlisle better than his favorite sweatpants. When he had Jason Kidd and Jason Terry and the rest of a mostly veteran team, Carlisle didn’t have to pull out the hard-coaching card very often. This season, it’s different, with O.J. Mayo and Darren Collison as prime exhibits. “Me and O.J., we’ve had a lot of tough love from Coach,” Collison said Wednesday. “He’s been in our face since Day One. And it’s all about learning. He just wants us to get better. Some coaches let young guards get their way. Rick is tough. But he’s not tough to the point where you can’t handle situations. “Then again, you got to have tough skin to play under a guy like Rick Carlisle. Most NBA players, they don’t like to hear criticism. They don’t like to hear the truth. But if you’re trying to get better, that’s what you got to hear.” Dallas Morning News

Dallas Mavericks, Darren Collison, Rick Carlisle 

The Clippers are making a push for reserve guard Jamal Crawford to make the Western Conference All-Star team as a reserve. The team has emailed information to the other 29 NBA coaches about Crawford's body of work this season. He is averaging 16.6 points per game this season, tied for second-best on the Clippers. Crawford also ranks in the top five in the NBA in plus-minus, top five in points scored in the fourth quarter and leads NBA reserves in games he has scored 20-plus points off the bench, according to the team. Crawford probably will get competition at the guard position from Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, Houston's James Harden, Golden State's Stephen Curry and San Antonio's Tony Parker. Each of them starts for his team. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Jamal Crawford 

Lakers center Dwight Howard aggravated his shoulder injury Wednesday night in the first half of a game against the Grizzlies in Memphis. The Lakers were trailing 54-45 with 2:21 left in the second quarter when Howard grabbed his shoulder, asking Coach Mike D'Antoni to substitute for him. Howard went to the locker room and did not return for the second half . He will be reevaluated on Thursday when the Lakers return to Los Angeles. Pau Gasol started the third quarter at center. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, Injuries 

Asked D-Wade if ahead of schedule after having said wouldn’t be fully back from knee surgery until All-Star break Wade then looked around the locker room. It’s good it is decorated with fine wood paneling. “Knock on wood,’’ Wade said. “Yes, I am. I think I’ve been kind of ahead of schedule all year long. But early on, coming off the knee injury, it was tough. It was feel good some days and some didn’t. But right now it’s been consistent, and I’ve been doing everything I can to make sure that my body is doing all the extra work I need to do trying to make sure I give myself a chance. Knock on wood, I’ve been feeling good and I hope to stay that way.’’ Sulia

Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade 

The Observer obtained a copy of the survey Harris emailed to various Bobcats season-ticket holders Wednesday. The electronic survey takes about 30 minutes to fill out, and asks all sorts of questions about the Bobcats, the Hornets and the general perception of what would sell more game tickets and team gear. One question, about halfway through Harris’ survey, is the crux of the issue: “If the Bobcats were to change their nickname to the ‘Hornets,’ would you attend more games than you currently do, attend fewer games, or attend about the same amount?” Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, New Orleans Pelicans 

But while a lot of attention is being paid to Grant Hill’s kicks, FILA actually kicked off their comeback with another endorser during that time, Brooklyn Nets guard Jerry Stackhouse. The timeless wonder, who also doubles as the guy you would least like to mess with under any circumstances, has rocked his signature shoe, the FILA Stackhouse, during several games this season. And during last night’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Stackhouse wore a grey “Camo” colorway that has never before been released. Kicks On Fire

Brooklyn Nets, Sneakers, Jerry Stackhouse 

Unfortunately, it looks like the “Camo” will stay unreleased as there is no information at the moment of that particular colorway dropping. But I don’t think Stackhouse and the Nets are going to mind too much as the team has gone 12-2 since P.J. Carlisemo took over as the team’s head coach. As for the rest of the night in kicks, Russell Westbrook liked the “Black Flip” so much he had to rock it again, Tony Allen continues to support the adidas Rose 3 movement and the Memphis Grizzlies decided that yellow was the color of the day. Kicks On Fire

Brooklyn Nets, Sneakers, Jerry Stackhouse 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and digital sports media group PERFORM today announced the launch of NBA.de, the new look official online destination for NBA fans in Germany. The site, which will be hosted in a dedicated section within the PERFORM owned Spox.com, will stream one LIVE game per week free and will also feature a range of multimedia content including videos and highlights and real-time statistics. NBA.de will offer an array of digital content including a weekly game streamed live throughout the regular-season, Playoffs and Conference Finals. Fans will also be able to watch daily highlights from NBA games, as well as keep updated through exclusive editorial produced by the spox.com editorial team of expert NBA writers. StockMarketWire.com

Germany, Owners 
 

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